TREES which are damaged, diseased or dying are to be replaced as Hounslow’s contract to improve the local environment continues to gather pace.

Over the next few months, residents can expect to see Hounslow Highways staff out and about across the borough dealing with the trees pose a hazard to those using the roads and pavements.

It will be the first time the work has been carried out since the council’s £800m contract with Hounslow Highways came into force on January 1.

The current financial year ends next month, so the teams will be hard at work removing the required number of trees before then.

Greg Carstensen, Hounslow Highways Service Director, said: “It is always regrettable when we have to remove trees as we do know how much trees enhance the local environment.

“However we need to do this to protect people and property and to ensure the sustainable future of the borough’s on-street tree stock.

“This is why we will replace each tree we remove – ideally in the same spot but where this is not possible, very near. Our tree management programme will ensure a healthy and thriving tree stock for future generations of Hounslow.”

As tree planting is best done between October and April, Hounslow Highways aims to have replaced the majority of trees it has removed by Christmas this year at the latest.

Mr Carstensen added: “I would like to reassure residents that we have explored all possible options to keep the trees we need to remove and this is a last resort, but trees in urban landscapes do have a ‘safe-life’ expectancy and we need to manage this.”

Residents wanting to find out more can speak to their councillors at the Local Area Forums. Additionally, Hounslow Highways will be carrying out letter drops in the streets where trees are due for removal and replacement.